We’ve all heard stories about professional chefs and cookbook writers cooking up a storm in cramped quarters with just the basics—a range, a refrigerator, maybe a dishwasher—all within arm’s reach. Now a slew of appliances stand ready to take on the task. Here are our top picks for the small but mighty kitchen.
Ranges and Ovens
![professional performance downsized: the bluestar \24 inch culinary series 17](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/compact-appliances-bluestar-range-733x489.jpg)
![super small but well detailed, the summit \20 inch slide in gas range has 18](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/compact-appliances-summit-733x489.jpg)
![miele offers an ultra compact \1\2 inch miele double combiset gas coo 19](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/compact-appliances-miele-range-733x657.jpg)
![no space for a wall oven? consider one of the new generation countertop ovens.& 20](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/breville-smart-convection-toaster-oven.jpg)
Dishwashers
Good options for small kitchens on the dishwashing front include 18-inch-wide dishwashers and dishwasher drawers. And also take a look at our favorite countertop dish drainers.
![bosch dishwashers consistently get top billing from consumer magazines. one to 21](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/compact-appliances-bosch-dishwasher-733x489.jpg)
![the fisher paykel fully integraged single dishdrawer is another good choic 22](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/compact-appliances-dishwasher-drawer-733x489.jpg)
Refrigerators
The standard refrigerator-freezer has a 36-inch waistline. For smaller kitchens, consider apartment-size or counter-depth fridges that are a mere 24-inches wide (but fat with features). Two other options, the dorm-style mini-fridge and refrigerator drawer, are extreme space savers, though they offer substantially less storage space.
![liebherr makes several sleek, compact, cabinet depth refrigerators for sma 23](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Liebherr-24-inch-slim-refrigerator_0.jpg)
![nyc based appliance company summit has been specializing in compact refrigerato 24](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Summit-24-inch-refrigerator_0.jpg)
![no room for a standard height fridge? consider the dorm sized but sophisticated 25](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/compact-appliances-kitchenaid-undercounter-fridge-733x489.jpg)
![refrigerator drawers are another space saving solution. the compact, multifunct 26](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Fisher & Paykel Fridge remodelista_0_0.jpg)
![for more compact options, see \10 easy pieces: best skinny refrigerators a 27](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Ore-Studios-Kitchen-Skinny-Refrigerator-Remodelista_1.jpg)
Get more small-space ideas and inspiration:
- 6 Countertop Smart Ovens That Will Change the Way You Cook
- 10 Easy Pieces: Kitchen Countertop Appliances, Small-Space Living Edition
- 10 Easy Pieces: Best Skinny Refrigerators
This post is an update; the original ran on September 15, 2010, as part of our Going Green issue.
Finally, get more ideas on how to evaluate and choose your kitchen range or oven in our Remodeling 101 Guide: Kitchen Ranges & Ovens.
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